FOLK MEDICINE PRACTITIONERS: BELIEF IN HERBAL MEDICINAL TREATMENT IN BAAN SONG COMMUNITY, TALAD SUB-DISTRICT, MUANG DISTRICT, MAHASARAKHAM PROVINCE

Abstract

This article aimed to explore a traditional belief affecting herbal medication and studied the changing herb usage pattern. This study is qualitative research. The informant was a folk medicine practitioners residing in Baan Song community, Talad sub-district, Muang district, Mahasarakham province. The data collection was conducted through a semi-structured interview.

The findings have shown that the local medical doctor of the community was motivated by his ancestors. Knowledge in medication has been collected from generation to generation’s memory and herb textbooks. The medication process started from asking the patient’s biodata and physical checking. The medication applied herb knowledge and incantation. However, there is a taboo for the local medical doctor; for example, he could not share a spoon with other people. Additionally, he must be a fair mined and non-greedy person who is willing to cure his patient the best as he or she is a family member. The local medicine doctor is needed to be an active learner who is willing to develop herb medication. With a traditional belief through the ancestors and a long-established relationship between the local medical doctor and the community, the local medical doctor still plays a prominent role in the community. Therefore, this study may contribute a body of knowledge in herb medication, and local medication's changing method.